Iguanas mate in the dry season, and the females only lay eggs once a year.Photo: Ernesto J. Torres, Casa 12

A Visit to the Iguana Reserve

Don Galo with Inés, a 3-year-old green iguana. When full-grown
she will reach over 2 meters from head to tail.Photo: Ernesto J. Torres, Casa 12

For 17 years Galo Sánchez Río has been tending
the iguanas, parrots, and crocodiles at the Iguanario
in the
Barra de Navidad on the east side of the Colotepec River. Iguanas
are an endangered species, and the lizards bred at the Iguanario
are released as adults in a wildlife reserve in the Colotepec hills
where they are protected from human predators. The birds come
from police seizures of black market parakeets (pericos), parrots
(cotorras)
and a macaw (guacamaya).

Don Galo is assisted in his work by volunteers from the Experiencia
language school as well as by young back packers. The Iguanario
is open seven days a week. If the gate is closed, just wait a few
minutes for don Galo to come down from his house. Admission is
free, but the project is supported by visitor contributions.

The Iguanario is located around a kilometer from the entrance to
the Barra de Navidad on the left side of the road. Tel. 954 128 9263